Russell Watson 'progressing well'

Russell Watson underwent a three-hour operation last week

Singer Russell Watson is out of intensive care and is "progressing well" after emergency brain surgery, hospital officials have said.

The 40-year-old star, who was operated on last week, is still under constant supervision at a private hospital in Cheadle, Greater Manchester.

Michael Stroud from the Alexandra Hospital said it is "too early to say" what the recovery period will involve.

He was rushed in after falling ill in a recording studio last week.

'Overwhelming support'

The father-of-two underwent a three-hour operation on Thursday and he was moved out intensive care yesterday.

He was first struck down with a brain tumour last year while in America.

He made a full recovery from an operation but it emerged the tumour had re-grown.

Several family members, including his daughters Hannah, eight, and Rebecca, 12, visited him over the weekend.

"Once again on behalf of Russell we would like to thank fans for the overwhelming support and constant stream of gifts and messages," Stroud said.

Engagements postponed

Watson was working on his latest album Outside when he began to feel unwell.

All of Watson's engagements have been put off until further notice.

He had been due to perform before the American football match between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday.

The singer had also been sent to fly to Los Angeles to appear at a Bafta ceremony honouring British artists in the US.

Watson, who used to be a factory worker before he turned to singing, has sold more than four million albums worldwide.